Part of the Eugene O'Neill FestivalAh, Wilderness!

MAR 9 – APR 8, 2012

By Eugene O'Neill
Directed by Kyle Donnelly

Illustration by Rob Carter

in the Fichandler

Family Comedy

Return to an idyllic age of Americana in Eugene O’Neill’s unabashedly romantic and sweetly funny Ah, Wilderness! As the Connecticut-based Miller clan plans their traditional Fourth of July festivities, their dreamy-eyed middle child Richard is wrestling with cultural conventions, political uncertainty, the power of literature, and the exquisite pain of love. The memories of family life were never so delicately portrayed as in O’Neill’s only comedy, his coming-of-age love letter to a simpler time, which finds the master playwright “at his most wistful and serene.” (New York Times).

Ah, Wilderness! runs 2 hours, 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission and one 5-minute pause. Warning: This production contains smoking and sparklers.

The Eugene O'Neill Festival is generously sponsored by Joan and David Maxwell.

Featuring D.C. Favorites

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Outstanding … first-class production.”
“June Schreiner … proves once again to be a total natural.”

— Washington Post

“… One of the best shows of the season…
a real testament of what Arena can do at its best, which is make you laugh while breaking your heart a little.”

— Washingtonian

“[Rick] Foucheux is as strong as ever …
His relationship with Essie, played superbly by [Nancy] Robinette, is one of the real high points of the play.”

— Washingtonian

“Impeccable … superb … a sensitive tribute to young and
middle-aged love and to a beautiful, bygone era."

— The Examiner

“Sublime … much to enjoy … moving and sweet.”
“Lovingly directed by Kyle Donnelly.”
“[Rick] Foucheux is perfect … His interplay with [Nancy] Robinette is the high water mark of the play.”

“Rick Foucheux and Robinette are perfect.”
“Heartwarming … will have you laughing non-stop.”

— We Love D.C.

“First rate production.”
“Arena Stage has hit a home run with its casting.”
“Like watching a master class in acting.”
“Some of the best acting that D.C. has to offer.”dream
“Great physical production.”

— Maryland Theatre Guide

“ … Joyous and truthful.”

— DC Theater Metro Arts

American Voices

Kyle Donnelly

It is a privilege to spend time in the world of Eugene O’Neill. While all of his work is infused with sorrow and regret, Ah, Wilderness! evokes that long-ago American past where the worst a boy could do was spout romantic poetry and talk of revolution. In this comedy of recollection, the dark impulses of the young Eugene are evident, yet the spirit of hope carries the fantasy family of the play through the trials of raising a teenage son at the turn of the century. Knowing what is to come, the long day’s journey into the night that becomes the reality for the O’Neill family gives this important American play its poignancy.